Brewers demote Orlando Arcia, acquire Kratz from Yankees

The Milwaukee Brewers optioned Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves announced Friday before their game against the New York Mets.

The slick-fielding Arcia was hitting .194. Considered one of the franchise’s top young players, the 23-year-old Arcia struggled after hitting .277 with 15 homers in 2017.

Veteran Tyler Saladino, acquired from the White Sox in mid-April and hitting .400 in 11 games since being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs is expected to get the bulk of time at shortstop.

”We know he’s continued to do it on the defensive end, but he can do better on the offensive end,” Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said ”And he’s shown that to us. He’s shown us a lot better. This is an attempt to try to get back to that.”

General manager David Stearns said he expects Arcia to get on track and rejoin the Brewers.

”But at this point we believe the best chance for him to get back to being the offensive player that we know he can be is to spend some time at Triple-A, get some consistent results, consistent at-bats, and then get back here and contribute offensively,” Stearns said.

The Brewers will send a player to be named or cash to the Yankees for Kratz, who was hitting .269 with four homers in Triple-A. Kratz will back up starter Manny Pina after Jett Bandy was designated for assignment.

Kratz, 37, has appeared in 228 major league games for seven teams, hitting .203.

”I’ve played my last game for probably the last 12 to 13 years,” Kratz quipped about the chance to play in the majors again.

Eric Sogard was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. The utility infielder began the season with the Brewers, but was sent down on May 8 after hitting .100 and going hitless in his last 27 at-bats.